Fiona Pringle

Fife cops will clampdown on people found to be illegally fishing following the death of a swan at Beveridge Park.

The animal died after becoming entangled in discarded fishing line, suspected to have been left at the park by anglers fishing at the park, which is strictly prohibited.

PC Lindsay Kerr, wildlife crime liaison officer in Fife said: “There is no fishing allowed at the park which is highlighted by clearly marked signs. It is crime.”

Police Scotland officers can therefore seize equipment from anybody found fishing at the park. And community officers have vowed to step up patrols to deter potential anglers from breaking the law.

Lindsay continued: “As well as highlighting the legality of fishing in the area there is the animal welfare aspect of the problem.

“We want to raise awareness of wildlife responsibility.

“You have no idea the potential impact or harm you could cause an animal, in this case a swan, by what you leave behind or discard in the environment.”

It is believed that a small number of pike do reside in the large pond but it has always been a no fishing zone to help protect the other wildlife that share area and are prone to the dangers presented by discarded fishing lines.

Lindsay, who works closely with the SSPCA, asks members of the public to contact 101 and ask for him, or community sergeant Adams in the first instance, to report any concerns.